Foundation garment



Aug. 29, 1967 s. cousms FOUNDATION GARMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 17, 1965 INVENTOR ATTORNEY g- 29, 1967 s. cousms 3,338,241

FOUNDATION GARMENT Fild June 17, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Syd ne Cousins ATTORNEY 7 United States Patent Ofl ice 3,338,241 Patented Aug. 29, 1967 3,338,241 FOUNDATION GARMENT Sydne Cousins, 345 W. 58th St., New York, N.Y. 10019 Filed June 17, 1965, Ser. No. 464,656 11 Claims. (Cl. 128-460) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Brassiere, specially for enabling selective exposure of either breast, as for nursing, comprising a plurality of breast-receiving portions each comprising a detaching panel fixedly connected thereto and extending transversely generally frontally thereof; a plurality of thorax-engirdling straps each of which comprises a connecting portion; said breast-receiving portions each being fixedly connected to a corresponding one of the thorax-engirdling straps and the detaching panel of each breast-receiving portion at one apex thereof being fixedly connected to the connecting portion; said detaching panels at another apex thereof each being detachably connected to the connecting portion of another of said thorax-engirdling straps; and fastening means for fixedly and detachably connecting each breast-receiving portion to the connecting portions at substantially transversely separated locations generally frontally thereof and in generally vertically spaced relationship to the other detaching panel.

The present invention pertains, generally, to brassieres, and more particularly to a brassiere that is sutiable for use by women who are desirous of nursing their children, while yet presenting more than adequate support for the breasts to enhance the natural contour thereof, and being completely comfortable to the wearer notwithstanding natural bodily movements.

It will be understood, therefore, that a primary object of the present invention is to provide a brassiere that is particularly suitable for use by Women who are desirous of nursing their children, while yet presenting more than adequate support for the breasts to enhance the natural contour thereof, and being completely comfortable to the wearer during use notwithstanding natural bodily movements. Another primary object of the present invention, is to provide brassiere construction that is particularly adapted for use by women who are desirous of nursing their children, and is arranged to readily enable the performance of the nursing function without requiring removal of the brassiere, while yet presenting more than adequate support for the breasts to enhance the natural contours thereof, and being completely comfortable to the wearer during use, notwithstanding natural bodily movements.

Yet another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each and everyone of the foregoing objects, is to provide brassiere construction that is particularly adapted for use by women who are desirous of nursing their children, and is arranged to readily, easily and quickly provide suflicient exposure of the breast for nursing in a facile manner, without altering the position of the brassiere relative to the torso of the wearer, and without disturbing the companion breast receiving portion or pocket, while yet presenting more than adequate support for the breasts to enhance the natural contours thereof, and being completely comfortable to the wearer during use notwithstanding natural bodily movements.

Yet another primary object of this invention, in addition to each and every one of the foregoing objects, is to provide brassiere construction particularly adapted for use by women who are desirous of nursing their children, and

is arranged to readily, easily and quickly enable exposure of thebreast to an extent suflicient for nursing with facility, without altering the position of the brassiere upon the torso of the wearer, and without causing disturbance to the companion breast receiving portion or pocket, while yet presenting more than adequate support for the breasts to enhance the natural contours thereof, enabling the brassiere to efliciently, effectively and handsomely perform its intended functions during periods of normal and general usage, as well as when the female is in a pre-natal and post-natal condition, and further being completely comfortable to the wearer during use notwithstanding natural bodily movements.

A further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each and every one of the foregoing objects, is to provide a foundation garment or brassiere particularly adapted for use by women who are desirous of nursing their children, and comprising a plurality of breast receiving portions, each having fastener structure for detachably connecting them to the garment at opposite sides thereof, enabling each breast receiving pocket to be readily, easily and quickly detached from the garment to provide exposure of the breast with facility to an extent sufficient for nursing, without necessitating that the position of the brassiere upon the body of the wearer be altered, or without causing a disturbance to the companion breast receiving portion, while yet being constructed and arranged to present more than adequate support for the breasts to enhance the natural contours of the bust, enabling the garment to admirably perform the functions of molding and supporting the breasts during periods of normal and general usage, as well as when a pre-natal or postnatal condition prevails, and further being completely comfortable to the wearer during use notwithstanding natural bodily movements.

Still further, it is a primary object of this invention, in addition to each and every one of the foregoing objects, to provide a foundation garment or brassiere that is particularly adapted for use by women who are desirous of nursing their children, and is applicable to a conventional brassiere with both shoulder and thoraX-engirdling straps, a brassiere with only thorax-engirdling straps or bands, a brassiere without straps of any kind, and to breast-supporting and forming cups separate from one another; it will be understood, therefore, that a brassiere constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is useful in connection with any torso-encircling government which includes as a part thereof a brassiere.

The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement and disposition of the various component parts and elements incorporated in an improved founda tion garment or brassiere constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. The present invention will be better understood and objects and important features other than those specifically enumerated above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following details and description, which, when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing, describe, disclose, show and illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention and what is presently considered to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof. Other embodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the sub-joined claims.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view in elevation of a foundation garment or brassiere constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

garment or brassiere shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one of the breast receiving portions, pockets or cups having been detached from the garment to illustrate the relationship between the parts or elements thereof when a nursing function is to be performed;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the interior of the garment shown in FIGS. 1-3; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a fastening element comprising a component of the present invention.

With reference now to the drawing, there is illustrated therein a foundation garment or brassiere constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and generally designated by the reference character 10. As illustrated in the drawing, the present invention is applied to a brassiere comprising thorax-engirdling and shoulder straps or bands, as will hereinafter be described, though it will be understood, as pointed out above, that this invention is equally applicable to a brassiere with only thorax-engirdling straps or bands, a brassiere without straps of any kind, and to breast-supporting and forming cups that are separate from one another; that is, this invention is applicable to any torso-encircling government that includes as a part thereof a brassiere.

The foundation garment or brassiere comprises a plurality of breast receiving portions, pockets, or cups 12 and 14. The breast receiving portions or cups 12 and 14 each comprise an upper portion 16 of generally triangular configuration having a band 18 extending about and along a portion of the periphery thereof.

The garment or brassiere 10 comprises, in the exemplary form illustrated, shoulder straps 26 that are particularly adapted to be detachably and adjustably connected to the breast receiving portions or cups 12 and 14 at the apex 22 of the upper portions 16 thereof, in any suitable manner, as through the medium of conventional buckle-type fastening elements 24.

The breast receiving portions or cups 12 and 14 each comprise, further, a plurality of lower portions or panels 26 and 28 that are connected to one another in any suitable manner, as through the medium of stitching 30. The lower portions or panels 26 and 28 are connected to the upper portion 16 in a similar manner along the upper peripheral portion thereof by a double row of stitching 32 The foundation garment or brassiere 10 comprises, still further, a plurality of thorax-engirdling straps or bands 34 that are connected to a corresponding one of the breast receiving portions or cups 12 and 14 substantially at the sides of the garment through the medium of a double row of stitching 36.-These bands or straps extend towards the rear of the garment, and at that location, are connected to one another in any suitable manner, as, for example, through the medium of stitching 38. A wide band 40 extends along the lower peripheral edge of each of the straps 34 to provide stability, durability, and the like, and to preclude fraying. In a similar manner, a band 42 extends along the upper peripheral edge of each of the straps 34.

As is considered readily apparent, the shoulder straps 20 extend towards the rear of .the garment, in the exemplary form illustrated, the shoulder strap 20 actually comprises a single, unitary or integral piece of material that is connected to the straps or bands 34 at the rear of the garment in any suitable manner, as through the medium of stitching 44. The shoulder straps or strap 20 may be fabricated of any suitable material, and preferably is fabricated of a material that is distensible in a direction at least longitudinally thereof, to provide a certain degree of inherent adjustment in that direction. Other adjustments that are required may, of course, be effected at the location of the buckle-type fastening element 24. Similarly, the thorax-engirdling straps or hands 34 may be fabricated of any suitable material, and preferably are fabricated from a material that is distensible in each of a plurality of directions. The breast receiving portions or cups 12 and 14 preferably are fabricated of an inelastic material and is lined with another material having at least the characteristic of a soft texture to avoid irritation, annoyance, or abrasion to the epidermal tissue of the breasts. In a like manner, the material from which the shoulder strap or strap 20 is fabricated should present a soft texture. The foundation garment 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, therefore, is constructed and arranged to be completely comfortable to the wearer during use. This is true notwithstanding natural bodily movements, since the adjustability of the straps or bands 34, and the shoulder straps or strap 20 enables the garment to accommodate these movements. In addition, the adjustability of these elements of the garment 10 enables it to accommodate different girths at the thorax of the female torso.

The breast receiving portions or cups 12 and 14 each of them comprise, still further, detachable bands 46 and 48, respectively. The band 46 is connected to the cup 12 along the lower peripheral edge thereof by means of a double row of stitching 50. Additionally, it is particularly adapted to extend completely across the front of the garment 10, so that it will traverse the distance between the thorax-engirdling straps or bands 34 at that location. To this end, the band 18 is extended or continued to define a border or border panel 52, with the lower peripheral edge of the panel 46 being defined by a border or border panel 54. Thus, the double row of stitching 50 and the border or border panels 52 and 54 define the peripheral configuration of the panel 46, and introduces durability by precluding fraying.

The detachable panel 48, in a like manner, is connected to the breast receiving portion orcup 14 along the lower peripheral edge thereof by means of a double row of stitching 56, the remaining peripheral configuration thereof being defined by a border or border panel 58, which is an extension of the band 18, and a border or border panel 60. The panel 48, and the panel 46, may be fabricated of any suitable material, as for example, may be fabricated of the same material as the breast receiving portions or cups 12 and 14.

The detachable panels 46 and 48, as hereinbefore pointed out, are particularly adapted to traverse the distance between the thorax-engirdling straps or bands 34 at the front of the garment. The garment 10, at the location of each of the straps or bands 34 frontally thereof, is particularly adapted to comprise fastening elements 62 and 64. 'These elements, as will hereinafter be described, are constructed and arranged to facilitate detaching or disassembling a respective one of the panels 46 and 48, further enabling a corresponding one of the breast receiving portions or cups 12 and 14 to be drawn away from or outwardly of the body or torso. In thus providing sufficient exposure of the breast to enable the wearer to described. This fastening element comprises a male member 66, and a co-operating female member 68.

The male member 66 comprises a frame 70 having a fenestration 72 therein. A resilient tongue 74, integral with the frame 70 at one end thereof, projects into the fenestration, and when disposed in the same plane as the frame, is capable of being disposed or fitting therewithin. The tongue 74 is disposed in oblique angular relationship with the frame, and comprises a shoulder 76 and a lip 78 at a free end thereof. A tab 80 extends or projects outwardly of the frame 70 for connecting the male member 66 to the detaching panel 46. This may be accomplished in any suitable manner, and for example, may be effected through the medium of a simple sewing operation, in which instance the tab may be provided with a plurality of apertures (not shown) therein.

The female member 68 is of sufficient depth or thickness to accommodate the male member 66, and comprises a base plate 82 having a pair of oppositely disposed side walls 84 and 86, and a rear or end wall 88 disposed along the edges of the base plate, and in perpendicular relationship with respect thereto. These walls each comprise an inwardly extending shoulder 90. A transverse bar 92 extends across a forward end of the female member 68, and is connected with the shoulder 90 of the side walls 84 and 86 to define a fenestration 94 in the top of the female member, and a transversely extending aperture 96 extending across the forward end thereof. It is considered readily apparent, at this point, that the dimensions of the aperture 96 are chosen to enable it to receive or ac commodate the male member 66, and that this member will be disposed in sliding relationship with the female member along the interior of the side Walls 84 and 86. A tab 98, of similar configuration as the tab 80, extends or projects outwardly of the female member from the rear end thereof, for connecting this member to a corresponding one of the thorax-engirdling straps or bands 34 at one of the aforesaid locations disposed frontally of the garment 10. Again, this may be accomplished by a simple sewing operation, in which instance the tab 98 will be provided with a plurality of apertures (not shown) therethrough.

When the male member 66 is inserted through the aperture 96 of the female member 68, the frame 70 will be restrained from any lateral movement by the side walls 84 and 86, the rear wall 88, and the shoulders 90 therement by the rear wall 88. Accordingly, the male member 66 is capable of being securely and substantially fixedly retained within the female member 68, and specifically within the channel-like structure defined by the side walls 84 and 86, the rear wall 88, and the shoulders 90 thereof. It will be understood that, in translating the male member 66 towards the rear wall 88 of the female member, the tongue 74 will be depressed by the transverse bar 92 until the shoulder 76 is positioned in a reverse abutting relationship with the transverse bar 92, when it projects partially into the fenestration 94. Accordingly, any reverse pull upon the male member 66 will not cause its removal, detachment or disassembly relative to the female member, until pressure is applied to the tongue 74 to depress it sufilciently, and to enable the shoulder to clear the bar 92.

The fastening element 62, and of course the element 64, may be fabricated of any suitable material, preferably, these elements, and the male and female members 66 and 68, respectively, thereof, are fabricated of any suitable plastic material that inherently presents the characteristics, among others, of resiliency and durability, as Well as being capable of accepting different hues or colors.

As pointed out above, the female member 68 of the fastening elements 62 and 64 each comprise a tab 98 for connecting the female member to one of the bands or straps 34. These bands or straps are preferably fabricated of a distensible material, as hereinbefore set forth. It is desirable, however, that the female member be connected to a material that is non-distensible or inelastic for reasons that are considered readily apparent, among which is the reason that a sturdier and more durable construction will be presented. To this end, the band 34 to which the female member of the element 62 is connected comprises a connecting portion 100, the other band 34 comprising a similar connecting portion 102. Each of these portions are of generally triangular configuration, and are preferably fabricated of a non-distensible or inelastic material, as pointed out above. This material, if desired, may be the same material from which the portions or cups 12 and 14 are fabricated. Realizing now that a small surface area is presented at the location of the fastening elements 62 and 64, it will be understood that the stress at these locations will be concentrated, and that the stress per unit area will be greater than along the location at which the cups 12 and 14 are connected to the band 34. If these bands did not comprise the connecting portions and 102, an increased pull might subsist at these locations, with resulting annoyance to the wearer. The provision of these connecting portions fabricated of an inelastic material substantially, if not completely, eliminates this possibility. In addition, since the fastening elements 62 and 64 are connected to the band 34 at the same location at which the cups 12 and 14 are connected, at substantially uniform stress distribution is presented, to further insure that the garment or brassiere 10 is completely comfortable during use.

At this point, it will be realized that the breast receiv ing portions or cups 12 and 14 are each of them operable completely independently of the other to sufliciently expose the breast for performance of the nursing function. That is, each breast receiving portion or cup extends completely transversely across the front of the garment between a plurality of locations defined by the thoraxengirdling straps or band 34. At one such location, the cups are fixedly connected to the straps or bands, and at another location, transversely oppositely disposed with respect to the first location, are detachably connected to the other band. In this manner, not only can each cup be drawn away from the torso readily, quickly and with facility, independently of the other cup, without altering or changing the position of the garment upon the body, and without causing any disturbance to the companion cup, but there is also provided a foundation garment or brassiere that will present more than adequate support to enhance the natural contours of the bust, and will be completely comfortable to the wearer during use, notwithstanding natural bodily movements.

While an exemplary form of a foundation garment, such as the brassiere 10, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that the scope and ambit of this invention is not to be limited thereto. Thus, While the thoraxengirdling straps or bands 34 have been illustrated and described as being connected to one another at the rear of the garment, it is intended that this language be construed in the broadest possible sense, including an embodiment or modification in which these straps can be detachably connected to one another at that location by means of suitable fasteners (not shown).

In addition, while the shoulder strap or straps 20 have been illustrated and described as a single piece of material, it is Within the scope or ambit of this invention that the brassiere 10 comprise a plurality of such elements. Still further, while certain relative terminology has been used in the foregoing description, and in the ensuing claims to facilitate an understanding of the invention, such terminology is not in any way intended to be limiting, but rather is intended to be given the broadest possible interpretation. Thus, the fastening elements 62 and 64 are described as detachably connecting the panels 46 and 48 at transversely oppositely disposed, or transversely separated oppositely disposed locations. This is intended to mean little else than locations that are separated from one another generally at the front of the garment with the locations being disposed at similar positions at each side thereof. This is true with respect to each end of the panels 46 and 48, enabling each breast receiving portion to function independently of the other, and to provide substantially uniform stress distribution so that the garment will be completely comfortable during use.

After reading the foregoing description of the preferred and illustrative foundation garment of the present inven- 7 tion, it will be understood that the objects set forth at the outset of this specification have successfully been achieved. While the invention has been shown, illustrated, described and disclosed, in terms of an embodiment or modification which it can assume in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein shown, illustrated, described or disclosed, such other embodiments are modifications intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope of the claims here appended.

What is claimed is:

1. A foundation garment particularly adapted for use by women desirous of performing a nursing function comprising a plurality of breast-receiving portions each comprising:

an upper portion of generally triangular configuration having a band extending along a portion of the periphery thereof;

a plurality of lower panels connected to said upper portion; and

a detaching panel of generally triangular configuration fixedly connected to the breast-receiving portion along a lower peripheral edge of the lower panels thereof;

said detaching panel extending completely transversely of the garment generally frontally thereof;

a plurality of thorax-engirding straps each being fabricated of a material that is distensi-ble in a plurality of directions, each comprising:

a connecting portion fabricated of an inelastic material;

said connecting portions of the thorax-engirdling straps being disposed at opposite locations relative to one another generally transversely of the garment substantially frontally thereof;

said thorax-engirdling straps extending rearwardly of the garment, and being connected to one another at that location;

at least one shoulder strap being connected to the thorax-engirdling straps at the rear of the garment and extending forwardly thereof, and being connected to the triangular upper portions of each breast-receiving portion at an apex thereof;

said breast-receiving portions each being fixedly connected to a corresponding one of said throraxengirdling straps, and the detaching panel of each breast-receiving portion, at one apex, being fixedly connected to the connecting portions thereof;

said detaching panels, at an other apex thereof,

each being detachably connected to the connecting portion of an other of said thorax-engirdling straps, and comprising:

a fastening element connected thereto at said upper apex, enabling each of said breastreceiving portions to be fixedly and detachably connected to the garment substantially at said oppositely disposed transversely separated locations generally frontally of the garment, further enabling each of said portions to be drawn outwardly of the garment generally front-ally thereof completely independently of the companion breast-receiving portion to provide more than suflicient exposure of the breast particularly adapted to be enclosed thereby.

2. A foundation garment as defined in claim 1 wherein said fastening element comprises:

a pair of separable coupling members;

one of said coupling members defining a male portion having a frame defining a fenestration therein;

a tab connected to the frame for attaching the male member to said detaching band at the other apex thereof; and

a substantially obliquely disposed resilient tongue;

said tongue being integrally connected with said frame,

and defining a free end extending into said fenestration; said tongue, at the free end thereof, comprising:

a lip and a shoulder disposed between the lip and the location at which it is connected to the frame, said shoulder being located closer to said p;

another of said coupling members defining a female portion comprising:

a base plate;

a pair of longitudinal channels, and a rear channel;

a transverse bar extending along and bridging said longitudinal channels at a forward end of said base plate and in spaced parallel relationship with respect thereto;

said bar and said base plate defining a vertically disposed transverse aperture in said female portion at a forward end thereof, and, with said channels, a fenestration in the top thereof for receiving therein the tongue member of said male portion;

said aperture enabling said male portion to be received therethrough and directed into the longitudinal and the rear channels;

the shoulder of said tongue member being disposable in reverse abutting engagement with the transverse bar when said tongue member is disposed within the fenestration of said female, enabling the transverse bar to preclude longitudinal movement of said portion outwardly of the female portion in one direction, further enabling said rear channel to preclude movement in another direction, and still further enabling the channels to preclude relative transverse movement between said male and female portions; and 7 a tab attached to the connecting portion of the thorax-engirdling strap with which the de? taching band is detachably connected.

3. A foundation garment particularly adapted for use by women desirous of performing a nursing function, comprising:

a plurality of breast-receiving portions each compris a detaching panel fixedly connected thereto, and extending transversely of the garment generally frontally thereof;

-a plurality of thorax-engirdling straps each of which comprises:

a connecting portion;

said breast-receiving portions each being fixedly connected to a corresponding one of said thorax-engirdling straps, and the detaching panel of each breast-receiving portion at one apex being fixedly connected to the connecting portion thereof;

said detaching panels at an other apex thereof each being detachably connected to the connecting portion of an other of said thorax-engirdling straps, and

fastening means for fixedly and detachably connecting each breast-receiving portion to the garment at substantially transversely separated locations generally frontally thereof and in generally vertically spaced relationship to the other detaching panel, further enabling each of said portions to be drawn outwardly of the garment generally frontal-1y thereof completely independently of the companion breast-receiving portion to provide more than sufficient exposure of the breast particularly adapted to be enclosed thereby. 4. A foundation garment as defined in claim 11, wherein there are further provided:

thorax-engirdling straps each fabricated of a material that is distensible in a plurality of directions, and wherein there are further provided:

connecting portions each fabricated of an inelastic material; said connecting portions of the thorax-engirdling straps being disposed at opposite locations relative to one another generally transversely of the garment substantially frontally thereof. 5. A foundation garment as defined in claim 4, wherein:

the thorax-engirdling straps extend rearwardly of the garment, and are connected to one another at that location. 6. A foundation garment as defined in claim 5, wherein: one of said coupling members defines a male portion having a frame member that defines a fenestration therein; and a resilient tongue member; an other of said coupling members defining a female portion having a fenestration therein; and

a transverse bar at a forward end thereof defining a transverse aperture therein;

a male portion being insertable in the transverse aperture of said female portion, and said tongue member being receivable within the fenestration thereof;

said tongue member being particularly adapted to be disposed in reverse abutting engagement with said transverse bar when the tongue member is disposed within the fenestration of said female portion to preclude accidental dislodgment of said male portion with respect to said female portion.

7. A foundation garment as defined in claim 3, wherein:

said male portion further comprises:

a frame member;

said resilient tongue being disposed in substantially oblique relationship with respect thereto;

said tongue member having a free end projecting into said fenestration, and, at the free end thereof, comprising:

a lip; and

:a shoulder;

said female portion further comprising:

channels extending along the sides thereof, and

along at least one edge thereof;

said aperture, when the male portion is inserted therethrough, enabling it to be directed into the channels along the sides thereof, and to be received within the channel at the edge thereof;

said channels precluding relative transverse movement between the male and female portions, and precluding movement in a direction oppositely disposed with respect to that in which the male portion must be moved for disassembly relative to the female portion.

8. A foundation garment as defined in claim 5, wherein there is further provided:

at least one shoulder strap being connected to the thorax-engirdling straps at the rear of the garment and extending forwardly thereof, and being connected to each of said breast-receiving portions.

9. A brassiere comprising:

a plurality of breast-receiving portions;

a panel connected to each breast-receiving portion and extending substantially completely transversely across the brassiere generally frontally thereof to a location at which it is det-achably connected thereto, enabling each of said breast-receiving portions to be drawn outwardly of the brassiere frontally thereof independently of the companion breast-receiving portion, to provide more than sufficient exposure of the breast particularly adapted to be enclosed thereby, the location at which each panel is detachably connected being disposed in underlying relationship with the companion breast-receiving portion; and

fastening means for detachably connecting said panels at said locations.

10. A brassiere comprising:

a plurality of breast-receiving portions connected therea plurality of panels each being connected to a corresponding one of said breast-receiving portions and extending in independent overlapping relationship substantially completely transversely across the brassiere generally frontally thereof to a location at which each panel is detachably connected thereto;

the location at which each panel is detachabIy connected to the brassiere being disposed in underlying relationship with the companion breast-receiving portion, enabling each breast-receiving portion to be completely independently drawn outwardly of the brassiere frontally thereof to provide more than sufficient exposure of the breast particularly adapted to be enclosed thereby;

said panels each comprising:

a fastening element defined by a pair of separable coupling members;

one of said coupling members comprising a male portion, and another of said coupling members defining a female portion;

one of said male portion and said female portion being attached to a corresponding one of said panels, and the other of said male portion and said female portion being connected to the brassiere at said location of detach-able connection in underlying relationship with respect to the breast-receiving portions.

11. A brassiere as defined in claim 9, wherein said panels each have a plurality of apices at one of which a panel is disposed in underlying relationship with the breastreceiving portion to which it is connected, and at another of which it is disposed at said location of detachable connection in underlying relationship with said one apex of the other panel.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,471,670 5/1949 Becker et a1. 128501 2,706,816 4/1955 Dozier 128-483 2,912,984 11/1959 Jensen 128482 3,263,685 8/1966 Bernfeld l2848-9 ADELE M. EAGER, Primary Examiner. 

1. A FOUNDATION GARMENT PARTICULARLY ADAPTED FOR USE BY WOMEN DESIROUS OF PERFORMING A NURSING FUNCTION COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF BREAST-RECEIVING PORTIONS EACH COMPRISING: AN UPPER PORTION OF GENERALLY TRIANGULAR CONFIGURATION HAVING A BAND EXTENDING ALONG A PORTION OF THE PERIPHERY THEREOF; A PLURALITY OF LOWER PANELS CONNECTED TO SAID UPPER PORTION; AND A DETACHING PANEL OF GENERALLY TRIANGULAR CONFIGURATION FIXEDLY CONNECTED TO THE BREAST-RECEIVING PORTION ALONG A LOWER PERIPHERAL EDGE OF THE LOWER PANELS THEREOF; SAID DETACHING PANEL EXTENDING COMPLETELY TRANSVERSELY OF THE GARMENT GENERALLY FRONTALLY THEREOF; A PLURALITY OF THORAX-ENGIRDING STRAPS EACH BEING FABRICATED OF A MATERIAL THAT IS DISTENSIBLE IN A PLURALITY OF DIRECTIONS, EACH COMPRISING: A CONNECTING PORTION FABRICATED OF AN INELASTIC MATERIAL; SAID CONNECTING PORTIONS OF THE THROAX-ENGIRDLING STRAPS BEING DISPOSED AT OPPOSITE LOCATIONS RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER GENERALLY TRANSVERSELY OF THE GARMENT SUBSTANTIALLY FRONTALLY THEREOF; SAID THORAX-ENGIRDLING STRAPS EXTENDING REARWARDLY OF THE GARMENT, AND BEING CONNECTED TO ONE ANOTHER AT THAT LOCATION; AT LEAST ONE SHOULDER STRAP BEING CONNECTED TO THE THORAX-ENGIRDLING STRAPS AT THE REAR OF THE GARMENT AND EXTENDING FORWARDLY THEREOF, AND BEING CONNECTED TO THE TRIANGULAR UPPER PORTIONS OF EACH BREAST-RECEIVING PORTION AT AN APEX THEREOF; 